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joey.yiz
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Using he/she in writing?

by joey.yiz Sun Apr 12, 2009 9:01 pm

It seems inevitable for me to use a pronoun to refer to the author in writing essays, especially the argument. Questions:

1. Should I avoid using pronouns? It is extremely difficult for me.
2. If it is fine, how can use a pronoun? Can I just write he/him/his, or I need to be gender-neutral and write he/she whenever necessary? Or I can write a postscript at the end to explain my use of pronouns?

Headaches ......

Thanks.
StaceyKoprince
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Re: Using he/she in writing?

by StaceyKoprince Tue Apr 14, 2009 3:55 pm

Annoying, isn't it? You can absolutely use a pronoun, and you don't have to worry about being gender neutral - just pick one and be consistent. :)

You can also use things like "the author" when discussing, say, the author's conclusion in the argument essay.
Stacey Koprince
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ManhattanPrep
joey.yiz
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Re: Using he/she in writing?

by joey.yiz Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:59 pm

Headaches healed. Thank you so much, Stacey!
StaceyKoprince
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Re: Using he/she in writing?

by StaceyKoprince Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:44 pm

you're welcome!
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep